HOW TO GET YOUR BAND HEARD






Getting reviews can be one of the toughest things for any new band. It's not just trying to figure out who the best people to send your cd to, it's making sure they listen to your band and actually write the review. Music writers get an avalanche of band's cds each week. Some really good bands get overlooked when it comes to getting reviews because they don't follow a few simple but golden review rules. If you don't follow these rules you might as well make that stack of CDs then chuck them in the bin.

The Golden Rules of Getting your band reviews:

Be INTERESTING, sounds obvious, but if you can't be arsed with your output then why should anyone else care about you?

Make sure your contact details are on EVERYTHING, several times I've been sent a totally blank cd by a band. Even if it's an amazing band the chances are I'll never know who they are as the CD pretty much always gets separated from the covering letter (if there is one).

Make sure you know who you're sending your band's stuff to, there's no point in sending your death thrash black metal to a rumba magazine is there?

Don't bother sending your cd to millions of labels, they will just go in the bin.

Review contacts
The biggest challenge when planning a PR campaign for you band is getting contacts. You can spend months looking up publication/ zine contacts on the web only to have your press packs returned undeliverable. This is especially true with webzines, they are often started with fantastic enthusiasm by the people behind them, then left to rot after a few weeks.

Reading your band's reviews
The next part of your 'get heard' challenge is reading your band's reviews. Sound daft doesn't it! But think about it for a moment, you've spent months finding contacts, stuffing envelopes with your world changing cds, but how are you going to get copies of the reviews if they are published? 99.99% of zines/ magazines will not send you a free copy of their publication. Most zines (especially the big ones that you really want reviews published in) get sent anything up to 100 cds a week, if they sent out a free copy to each of those 100 bands then they wouldn't have any copies left to actually sell!

So what do you do? You subscribe to every single one of these publications, in fact you'd probably have to as the chances of your release / demo getting reviewed when you think it will be are pretty damn rare. So you'd have to buy every copy of the magazine (or whatever) until you happen across your own review.

So is this all worth it? Of course it is silly! Getting reviews brings exposure, interviews and about a thousand other positive outcomes!

Here's an easy answer...There is a solution to all these problems if you have a bit of cash. Use a PR company, they have all the contacts, relationships with the publications they are sending your output to and will even send you copies of your reviews when they come out!




Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:



Elton John, Rocket Man
Ted Nugent, Free For All
Finger Eleven, One Thing
Journey, Open Arms
Neil Young, Keep On Rockin' In The Free World



Local Artist Of The Day:

Still Life

Getting Those Gigs







Time for your music dreams to come true – playing live onstage to masses of screaming fans…or at least a room full of people listening in to your creations. Though the ultimate goal is a good-paying gig, an artist or band just starting out may have to take on some freebies. Consider them as experience. Use this list as a start on how to get gigs, a checklist of the basics, and an idea starter.

The Prep:

*Talent – know your style, be solid in your performance abilities before you take on too big a gig
*All band mates know their responsibilities
*Calendar – create your timeline
*Internet - online presence, class ads, forums, press, make friends with other bands
*Networking – go to shows of other bands and meet them, create critical allies, rub elbows
*Press kit – with contact info, web address
*Demo tape/CD with your 3 best songs
*Rehearsed extensively
*Decent equipment – with backups and spares
*Reliable transportation for band and ALL equipment
*Funds – who handles your band finances, food, gas, places to stay
*Booking agency or manager to get bookings – when affordable and research thoroughly
*Sound Technician
*Playlist – well shaped, great flow, more than enough for the time allowed, minimal pause between songs

The Places:

*Fundraisers, charities, benefits
*Festivals, fairs, city free concert venues, trade shows
*Music competitions, songwriting contests
*Battle of the bands
*Clubs, bars, pubs – karaoke, open mic night
*Weddings, special occasions, private functions, parties
*Country clubs, cruise ships
*Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, bookstores
*Schools, churches, colleges
*House concert
*Jam sessions
*Online video
*Gig trading with other bands of similar style – one band opens the show, the other closes

Getting the Gig:

*Attitude should be “how we can help each other”
*Understand what is expected of you – don’t assume anything, including food and drinks
*Make sure the venue has a good rep for being fair
*Be ready if you need to do a live audition during a club’s less busy hours.
*Venue specifications, space, sound
*Keep your word, build respect, do what you say you will do
*Get it in writing, contract

You know it’s up to you to promote your gig, right?

The Promotion:

*Word of mouth with enthusiasm!
*Flyers, posters – get permission as needed (e.g. parking lots)
*Street teams, fan clubs
*Internet marketing – Artistopia events, email, ezines, newsletters, class ads, Blogs, concert calendars, mailing list (online/offline)
*Call ALL your friends, family, co-workers, school mates
*Press releases to any media available
*Newspaper, radio, local gig guides
*Bulletin boards, music stores, record shops
*Go where your particular style of fan would hang out or work – do your market research
*Swap promo with local stores, restaurants, come up with some cool idea

The number of heads through the door is the most important factor for a re-booking

At Work:

*A gig is a job – so the same rules apply: be on time, don’t take too many set breaks, be prepared to do your best and be professional at all times. The reputation you create will proceed you.
*Sound check, balance, volume levels
*Make sure the audience knows the name of your band
*A good catchy opening line
*Be adaptive to your environment – have a sense of humor
*A musician under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a recipe for disaster
*Merchandise for sale – CDs, t-shirts, stickers…door prizes
*Have someone take good photos (video) for adding to your photo albums later – and schmooze with your fans! Get fan names to add to the photo narrative online.
*Collect emails, hand out biz cards, promote the next upcoming gig, get references
*Something will probably go wrong, think through typical disasters and try to be prepared
*Have a great time because you are doing what you love to do!

The Follow-up:

*Let everyone know you had a great time and appreciate that they came to see you and thank the venue operators and staff
*If you have a band following you, be polite and move your equipment as quickly as possible
*Have your pre-appointed money collector do their job
*Drop the rock star attitude – don’t get a big head
*Respect the people around you and don’ burn any bridges
*Learn from every experience
*Add any upcoming gig or follow-up press release to your Artistopia profile. Show the world what you are about!






Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:



Bread, The Guitar Man
Journey, Open Arms
Nine Inch Nails, Closer
Three Doors Down, Love Me When I'm Gone
Rod Stewart, Every Picture Tells A Story



Local Artist Of The Day:


A Saturday Night Drive By

Bob Seger Face The Promise CD Review

By Clyde Dennis







The more I listen, the better Face The Promise gets.

This CD is VERY Bob Seger. If you're looking for him to reinvent himself, look elsewhere. Seger is genius at what he does and he has done it again.

He still rocks, and his lyrics speak to the average Joe trying to live a decent life.
I, along with many others, grew up listening to Bob Seger's classic seventies music. I must admit my expectations were not high before I actually heard this CD. What with Seger's last uninspiring album release coming almost 11 years ago.

I'm happy to announce here and now, this CD sets the record straight. Bob Seger was, and still is, one of America's great rock-and-roll treasures.

Starting with the very first track "Wreck This Heart", Face The Promise rocks like there's no tomorrow. The songwriting is inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Seger's voice sounds like it is indeed in very good shape.

Of particular note on this offering is his breathtaking ballad with Patty Loveless.
Welcome back, Mr. Seger. We've missed you.

I have little doubt that TRUE Seger fans will throughly enjoy Face The Promise.

Track List:

1. Wreck This Heart
2. Wait For Me
3. Face The Promise
4. No Matter Who You Are
5. Are You
6. Simplicity
7. No More
8. Real Mean Bottle - (with Kid Rock)
9. Won't Stop
10. Between
11. Answer's In The Question, The - (with Patty Loveless)
12. Long Goodbye,

TheNotes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personnel: Bob Seger (vocals, synthesizer); Kenny Greenberg, Biff Watson, J.T. Corenflos, Brent Rowan (guitar); John Jarvis, Billy Payne (piano); Glenn Worf, Larry Paxton (bass guitar); Eddie Bayers, Steve Brewster, Paul Leim (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Kid Rock. Recording information: 2005 - 2006. Of all the heartland-based "working class rockers" of the 1970s and '80s, Bob Seger was one of the most consistently credible and satisfying. Not only did he brandish a muscular classic rock sound, but he was a talented songwriter, giving equal emphasis to rebellious electric barnstormers and melancholic, thoughtful folk-tinged tunes. Seger's spotlight may have faded by 2006's FACE THE PROMISE, but that doesn't mean any of his power as a singer, songwriter, and performer had diminished. Seger's gruff voice sounds as weathered and gutsy as ever, and his status as an elder statesman hasn't led him to turn down his amplifiers a single notch, as the pounding title track and "Wreck This Heart," the album's opener, prove. But one of Seger's great strengths has always been his reflective, acoustic-driven songs, and "No Matter Who You Are" and "Won't Stop" deliver on that count, demonstrating that even after all these years Seger still has his touch.

Record Label - Capitol / EMI Records

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Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:



Bob Segar, Drift Away
The Beatles, Hey Jude
Steppen Wolf, Born To Be Wild
Cat Stevens, The First Cut Is The Deepest
Hamell On Trial, The Date


Local Artist Of The Day:

Calveris

Don't Just See The Music ........Listen To It








Today when we listen to a song, first thing that comes to our mind is its video. Music that means has not just remained a hearing melody, it has become all the more a watching sensation. Infact this is the reason many of the pop albums even with low class music are becoming popular.

The short clothed women dancing or the stripped masculine body ..... is it all that takes music to become popular? Music was termed as a gift earlier and did not need any assistance from clippings to become a hit.

But today Music needs the images but needless to say the images definitely need the music. Music videos are more of story based. If the story is interesting the album becomes a matchless hit without actual good taste of lyrics or sound. As we all are curious at times, people tend to like stories. Makers of music videos know this and try to make a story with their music videos. Many thanks to the genuine sites who sell music online, thus maintaining a standard.






Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:


Dave Matthews Band, Dream Girl
Matchbox 20, Superman
Blink 182, I Miss You
Otis Redding, Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay
Jefferson Starship, Come On And Take A Free Ride




Local Artist Of The Day:

Josh Cole

Instrument Tuning

Why Is It Important? Playing in tune is not an easy skill to learn, but it is vital to being a good musician.

No one will respect you as a musician (or even want to listen to your performance) unless you can play or sing in tune.In order to really appreciate and improve as a musician you have to understand a little about the physics of sound. Playing in tune and learning to tune your instrument whether it be a guitar, clarinet, trumpet, or even a drum can be one of the most frustrating parts of the craft. Tuning an instrument requires that you adjust the tuning mechanisms on it to an accepted standard frequency. For most of the world this frequency is called A=440. This means that when playing the note A your instrument will produce sound waves that vibrate perfectly at 440 vibrations per second. If your instrument is tuned to a higher frequency you will play "sharp," or sound slightly higher than it should. If it is tuned to a lower frequency it will be "flat."To tune your instrument properly you can either rely on your ear (not recommended) or you can use an electronic tuner. Electronic tuners come in all sizes from small pocket size models to large desktop models that have many advanced features.

Tuning using an electronic tuner is very easy. Simply play the note you wish to tune and a meter on the device will tell you if you are sharp (above the pitch) or flat (below the pitch). Adjust the tuning screws on your guitar or the tuning barrel or slide on your wind instrument until the tuner says you are perfectly in tune.To find out why tuning is so important we again return to the physics of sound. When two sound waves are perfectly in tune and vibrating at the same frequency they compliment each other. The two tones actually reinforce each other and produce a warmer, more solid sound. When two instruments are not in tune those same sound waves collide and occasionally cancel each other out resulting in what most people describe as "beats" in the sound. The easiest way to visualize this is to imagine two identical ocean waves that are exactly alike. Stacked on top of each other they appear to be just one wave, but if you stretch one of them even slightly (make in flatter) you will notice that the waves no longer line up and instead begin to run into each other. Every collision causes a disturbance in the sound and partially cancels the wave. These collisions are what cause the audible "beats" when two notes are not exactly in tune.

In a band or ensemble this can be distracting or even destructive to the performance. We have all heard bands or singers (usually at the local karaoke club) that sound absolutely horrible. Usually this is because they are not singing or playing their instrument in perfect tune with the other musicians in the group. Being a better musician begins with understanding everything there is to know about your instrument including how to play in tune. How to tune that instrument and how various conditions affect that tuning are the first step to becoming a great musician.

Regardless of the instrument (or voice) you must be able to play in tune if you ever want to have any kind of a following. So many beginning musicians hurt themselves (and those that listen to them) by not taking the time to tune properly. This lack of proper tuning, over time, makes the performer believe that they sound good even when in reality they are horribly out of tune. If you want to be a better musician and play music that people actually want to hear you must take the time to learn how to play in tune.For more information about playing in an ensemble with good intonation please visit the article Tuning and Intonation For Your Band.
Start a discussion for Instrument Tuning.







Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:


Pantera, This Love
Rascal Flatts, God Blessed The Broken Road (For my love Mike)
Disturbed, Stricken
Billy Joel, My Life
Bob Segar, Drift Away



Local Artist Of The Day:

Helpwanted

It’s Never Too Late to Rediscover the Musician Inside Of You


By: Paul Tobey







Do you recall the day you traded in your guitar for a job at the bank or gave up your piano lessons to become a doctor? Have you been thinking about rediscovering your musical roots as soon as your retirement kicks in? Are you still hoping that some day you’ll get to dust off your sax and join the local jam session? If this sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s more common than you think for people in the latter stages of life to get the itch to return to their musical beginnings.

Like most closet musicians, you likely arrived at a turning point in your life where you had to decide between the certainty of a job and the uncertainty of a life in the music business. And, like the vast majority, you chose the more stable path. Do you ever wonder though, what it would have been like if you had enough courage to pursue the other path - even if it would have totally freaked your parents out?

As a professional concert pianist I have people say to me all the time that they would give anything to do what I do. A lot of these folks wish they just could turn back the clock and get another shot at it, even if it might not have been the responsible thing to do. That’s why I’m so grateful for the path I have chosen, not only because I love it but because, I never have to worry about what I might have missed. The truth is; I love music and what it does for my soul. I wake up every day with excitement because I really don’t know what’s going to happen or where I’ll end up. That to me is a gift, not a liability. The only thing certain in my life is uncertainty and that I can always count on.But, our society is not programmed to think in these terms. We’re groomed in school to play it safe, get a job and pay the bills. It’s definitely the easy thing to do but is it the right thing? I think we were all born to learn something new and exciting every day. For most people who go to the same job day after day, a job they most likely hate - how is this learning?

Many people find themselves at a turning point in their latter years when they think to themselves, “What exactly happened to my dreams?” But, then you think to yourself, “I got married and had kids, it would have been completely irresponsible of me to follow my dreams because so few actually make it.” That’s true, except why couldn’t you have been one of the few? In any case, I often say to people, “Why don’t you quit your job now while you still can?” To my mind, living every day in a situation you hate will only lead you somewhere you don’t want to go. It’s important to choose a goal in life that you really are passionate about because, that’s what will make your life exciting and challenging. Anybody can get a job.

But, even if you absolutely cannot give up your job, why not take up music seriously at the same time? For now, start practicing in secrecy. Then eventually you’ll be good enough to perform for others. And, if you’re passionate enough, you may even get to be the performer that you’ve always admired from a distance. You know, the one you’ve often cheered for with mixed delight and sorrow because, you know you could have been that person?The good news, it’s not too late!Take my friend Bruce for example. With three years left to go to his retirement as a bank executive, he reintroduced himself to blues guitar. Shortly thereafter he reunited his high school band and now they’re actually booking themselves for dances, concerts and private functions.And, my friend Mary Ann is doing the same thing. She had a music degree in classical piano which, she eventually gave up to become a family doctor. Now, several years later she’s formed a jazz quartet with some friends and another doctor on drums, and the band performs at least 5 nights a month around town. These are just two examples of people who understand that they can have it all; both a successful professional career and a life in music. Like them, you don’t have to wait for your retirement to get back to doing what you love. So next time you feel the need to rejuvenate your life with music, come on out of the closet. Because, the truth of the matter is the only thing stopping you, is you. Take my advice and start living your life the way you want and not the way everyone else expects of you. Live the rest of your life doing what you love because, the only risk in life is not taking one.




Paul Tobey's music for piano is loved by fans throughout the world. He has written and recording 7 albums and performed numerous sold-out concert performances. www.paultobey.com







Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:


Styx, Come Sail Away
Seal, Kiss From A Rose
Eagles, Hotel California
Don McLean, American Pie
Damageplan, New Found Power



Local Artist Of Day:


Calveris

PERSONALITY OF DRUMMERS












After listening to music with many different musicians on many different skill levels I have noticed something interesting among most of them. Each one will usually play his or her instrument according to his or her respective personality.When this concept comes to drumming it is really noticeable. I've noticed that drummers who are a relaxed type often play relaxed. A drummer who is a more bold person usually plays the same way... bold. A drummer who lives his or her life a little sloppy and wreckless will often play the same way. Likewise, a drummer who is a very organized individual will fairly play rather consistantly. All this is okay to an extent. But, we just can't let our drumming be subject to our personality, feelings, or mood at any given moment. Our instrument, the drums, are our expression in the band. It's our voice. And, many times, we must drum in a manner that does not line up with our personality, feelings, or mood.

Being an outstanding drummer requires becomming a bit of an actor. What I mean by that is, sometimes we have to play drums a certain way despite our true personality, or how we may feel at any given moment. That's what a good actor does, he temporarliy forgets who he is and becomes someone else for a time so that he can pull off what he needs to pull off in order to get the job done.As you know, sometimes we have to drum a little harder than we may feel like drumming. And then at other times we may have to drum a bit softer when what we really want to do is rock out. In order to be an outstanding drummer we have to be able to put out what is required of us at any given moment. For example, sometimes a certain song needs to convey a certain message, feeling, or mood. But, your particular mood at the time does not jive with it at all.

If we want the song do what it's supposed to do, we can't expect the song to submit to how we feel right then. We have to submit to the song and forget about ourselves by becoming a part of the song.The bottom line is this... don't play your drums according to your personality. Play your drums according to each individual song's personality. Only then will your songs truly come to life.








Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:


Green Day, Time Of Your Life
Eagles, Take It To The Limit
Peter Frampton, Signed Sealed Delivered, I'm Yours
The Police, Message In A Bottle
The Guess Who, American Woman




Local Artist Of The Day:


Forever Lost

This article is dedicated to my son Tyler....an excellent drummer!

GO BANANAS!!!!!









Yes, it really is possible to go bananas with your music! Take my word for it, because I’ve helped many musicians do so in the past and here’s your chance to do it to. One of the most important ways to sky rocket your sales, increase your fan base and music career is to start your online newsletter that keeps people updated about what’s going on in the life of an artist, which is you.

I’m quite pleased to say that the online newsletters are one of the most important mediums through which you can keep in touch with everyone, and of course, is the cheapest and cost-effective way of doing so.

There are so many newsletter providers online that can help you for free or for a small fee. The one I recommend is Constant Contact, because it lets you send unlimited emails free to up to 50 members, and then you pay a fee when it increased in number.It’s also important to define what the newsletter will convey to your fans. Will it be about you as an artist? Will it be based around your band? Will you mention other acts or items in there? Also define its frequency. How often will you send it out? Every week? Every fortnight? Every month? It doesn’t matter what you choose, but ensuring you stick to it is important, as people tend to look out for it if they enjoy it! And they will enjoy it!

Also think about the content when planning. How much will you put in it? Will you use images, and if so, what kind? Will you store past issues in a way that people can access it? Will you feature advertisements?

The main thing for me to convey here is to keep it realistic, simple and write in a tone that is friendly and understandable. Its important to ask for feedback now and again, and perhaps feature comments from your fans now again. Give your articles some kick too!Instead of your regular two eyes! Get four! Once you’ve written it, get someone to proofread it so that it’s to a good level. Better to have people know that you’ve put effort, and not just doing it because you have to.

Getting a newsletter done is a real simple job! Really! If you can’t do it, or haven’t got the time, get your manager to do it. Or someone else at least, but do it! It’s really important and it builds relationships and trust with your audience.The next important thing then is to actually have people to send your online newsletters too. Start small, and grow organically – that’s my secret! Add all your family and friends onto your newsletter list. Then wherever you go, whomever you see, wherever you perform, have a mailing list form/chart that people can fill it out should they wish to so that they can keep up to date with your work. Don’t force it, but let it flow out of you.

If you want some more help in really getting your newsletter to catching and sales quality so that you are making some passive revenue this way, get in touch with us to see how you can better your newsletter.







Deb's Top 5 Songs Of The Day:


Joe Cocker, You Can Leave Your Hat On
Steve Vei, The Attitude Song
Neil Young, Keep On Rockin' In The Free World
Pantera, I'm Broken
Tool, Sober



Local Artist Of The Day:

Ryan Smith